Lark in the Morning

Suzuki Electric Taishogoto, TES-101, Mint

Name: Suzuki Electric Taishogoto, TES-101, Mint
Brand: Lark in the Morning
SKU: ZIT029
Price: 349.0 USD
Availability: InStock

SKU:ZIT029

$349.00

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This is a mint condition electric version of the taishōgoto produced by Suzuki.

The taishōgoto, also known as the Nagoya harp, is a Japanese stringed musical instrument that first appeared during the Taishō period (1912–1926). Developed in 1912 in Nagoya by musician Gorō Morita, the taishōgoto combines features of a typewriter with a musical instrument.

When playing, the instrument is placed in the player's lap or on a stand, with the right wrist resting on the instrument as the strings are plucked with a plectrum. Some taishōgoto instruments have a larger, deeper body to enhance the acoustics.

Taishōgoto instruments come in different types, including soprano (5 or 6 strings), alto (4 or 5 strings), tenor, and bass (1 or 2 strings). The melody strings are typically tuned to G octaves, while the drone strings are tuned to D. Some instruments have six strings, with two acting as drones and four being keyed. All six strings may be tuned to the same note (G) but in different octaves.

The taishōgoto bears resemblance to the bulbul tarang from India, the benju from Pakistan, and the akkordolia from Germany. It gained popularity as an amateur pastime in Japan and is still played today, often by people who perform Japanese and Western popular songs on electrically amplified instruments.